This sign, or the Western graph for the number 8 positioned horizontally, is a sign to denote the idea of infinitely great or infinity, referring to distances or numbers. Sometimes the concept of infinity in mathematical systems is expressed by the sign . As far as time is concerned the most common similar medieval symbol is the snake biting its own tail, or the empty circle, . It is as if  represents a double endlessness or eternity.

   In botany  has been used to denote a great number of stamens (more than 20). In meteorology the sign has sometimes been used for heat haze or sun haze.